In the early hours of April 19, 1775, Captain John Parker was alerted
to mobilize the Lexington Company of the Middlesex, County Brigade, Massachusetts
Militia in anticipation of a British 700 man-force which was marching to
Concord to capture provincial arms. By 2 a.m. Parker had mustered his company
on the Lexington Green. The Lexington Company of militia was typical of
the period. The youngest militiaman was 18, the oldest 63; eight fathers
and sons served together. Most were farmers, while some were veterans of
the French and Indian War. Just after sunrise Parker and his 77 militiamen
stood in defiance of the British advance guard. "Stand your ground," Parker
ordered. "Don't fire unless fired upon. But if they want to have a
war let it begin here." Major John Pitcairn, commander of the British
advance guard, ordered the militiamen to lay down their arms. Realizing
that his company was outnumbered, Parker ordered his men to disperse. As
the militiamen began to break ranks, a British officer fired his pistol.
Without orders, the British troops opened fire. Although greatly outnumbered,
the militiamen returned the fire. The battle went on for several minutes
all around the Green. When it was over eight Americans lay dead and nine
were wounded. The British quickly resumed their march. Later that morning,
Captain Parker reorganized his unit and marched to Concord. The Lexington
Company would later fight in the Battle of Bunker Hill and form a company
for service in the Continental Army. However, few of its members on that
fateful April morning realized that the Battle of Lexington would lead
to the Revolutionary War and American Independence. The Lexington Company
and the Middlesex County Brigade are perpetuated by the 181st and 182d
Infantry Regiments, Massachusetts Army National Guard.